B/Biyahe: Postcard from Masungi

At the start of 2016, BENCH BLOG emphasizes a rediscovery of domestic destinations as a grand resolution. Through the month, we field postcards from our favorite new nomads: travelers who inspire wanderlust through their itinerant Instagram feeds.

This week, new nomad Paolo Cuarteron (@paocua) sends us #LoveLocal all the way from the Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal.

Story behind the snap: “One of the park’s policies is ‘Don’t make any loud noises.’ For more than 10 years now, the park is trying to get its natural wildlife back and boisterous noise drives them away. My friend took my photo while I was climbing up a net, then someone shouted ‘snake!’ Frightened and clueless where the snake was, I hurried up to the top. Still unsure where the snake was, I continued my way down to get to the giant hammock on the other side. As I was climbing down, my other friend said, casually, ‘By the way, the snake is beside you.’ Lo and behold, it was. I tried to keep my cool and tried not to shout, but it was so near me that I just had to. I had a few scratches as I hurried down.”

Local thing to love about this destination: “You’ll be surprised that this place is just an hour or less away from the city. This georeserve park is really passionate about conserving the landscape, hence, they are promoting responsible ecotourism by limiting their guests to only two groups per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon with a maximum of 10 guests per group.”

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Travel tip: “If you plan to catch the sunset, bring a jacket or malong as the wind picks up and the temperature drops quickly from the vantage point.”